Patients who have an unstable shoulder or a torn rotator cuff may find relief from painful symptoms through shoulder surgery. Three major forms of shoulder surgery exist: arthroscopic, open and shoulder replacement. Before having surgery, patients should talk with a doctor about the potential problems they may experience after shoulder surgery.
Shoulder Nerve Damage
Surgical procedures can injure or inflame nerves within the shoulder joint, according to medical professionals at the Cleveland Clinic. Nerve damage can cause patients to develop numb or tingling sensations that extend from the treated shoulder into the hand. As a patient begins to heal from surgery, these sensations typically subside. Rarely, a patient may experience permanent tingling or numbness after shoulder surgery due to complete severing of a nerve in the shoulder.
Shoulder Joint Stiffness or Weakness
Shoulder surgery can cause scar tissue to develop within the shoulder joint. This tough, tight tissue can cause problems with shoulder stiffness in certain patients after shoulder surgery. Shoulder joint stiffness can limit a patient's ability to move the affected shoulder normally. Certain patients can also develop weakness within the treated shoulder, which can interfere with tasks that require lifting. Joint stiffness and weakness problems are typically limited if patients receive intensive physical therapy after surgery.
Bleeding or Infection
Shoulder surgery can cause bleeding or infection problems after treatment. Affected patients can develop sensations of warmth or tenderness at the incision site; fever; increased shoulder swelling or pain; or excessive surgical site bleeding, according to medical professionals with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. These problems typically require treatment from medical professionals to resolve symptoms.
References
- University of Iowa: Patient Guide to Shoulder Surgeries and Injuries
- Cleveland Clinic: Arthroscopic Shoulder Decompression - What Are the Risks of Surgery?
- University of Washington School of Medicine: Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Shoulder Surgery
- MedlinePlus: Shoulder Arthroscopy
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